Can a Catholic pray with a Hindu?

[friardchips]

From a Catholic perspective, and in the spirit of Christian tolerance and charity, we should not be labeling people of other faiths “idolaters”.

It is our Lord’s role as judge and Saviour, and our role to love unconditionally, although we are not expected to love or tolerate all the things that we and others sometimes do. I think if we go around thinking of other people as “idolators”, for whatever the reason, then we are in danger of heading into spiritual ‘pride’ and ‘judgement’. Again, we don’t have to partake of everything we do not wish to enter into or believe that everyone else understands as much as they could. Sometimes it is safer to avoid than enter into. On one side there is ‘spiritual pride’, ‘judgement’, and as you said “arrogance” (although ‘confidence’ can be mistaken as ‘arrogance’), and on the other, there is ‘religious relativism’. Neither extreme is healthy. I would draw the line at carrying out worshipping rituals of another religion because, for one thing, I might not be able to understand what they are saying and if what they are saying in any way is at odds with my own belief this could be problematic, plus, I desire and understand it is right that the Eucharist is to be the centre of any worship/Mass that I attend. But I would pray next to a person and welcome them praying in their own way. It is loving to pray together. That is respect for each other’s motions of the heart, respecting each other’s differences, whilst also sharing time in offering prayers to Love.

I would like to think I would not be too scared, in fear of being labelled ‘intolerant’, to be able to witness to the personal name of our Lord shared with us, at any time, yet I do believe such opportunities can be recognised when clearly presented by the Holy Spirit. No need to use force when proclaiming the Good News!

In fact, all Hindus worship one Supreme Being, though by different names. This is because the people of India with different cultures and languages have understood God in their own unique way. Regional and family traditions play a large part in influencing this choice.

There are bridges to be built. And the world is thirsting for them.

Hinduism is rooted in the subcontinent of India, far from the land of Israel, and far from the countries of the West.

Yes, although there are Christians and Muslims and Buddhists in that part of the world too. Christianity has pretty much spread everywhere. I think there are a great many places in which different religions (hopefully) live in peace side by side. Apart from where fundamentalists reside.

Agreed. Respect is warranted, not arrogance.

Sure.

 

[Sy_Noe]

I was just thinking about that.

Tonight upon his departure from Philly he mentioned the interfaith service at ground zero as one of the most moving moments of his trip. He called those who were there of other faiths, “my brothers and sisters of other religions”.